Assembly For Retrofitting Watercraft And Method

ABSTRACT

An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft is presented, which includes an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel and at least one chamber housing. The chamber housing defines at least one chamber extending through the panel and an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening. The chamber housing of the assembly is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device. Also presented is a watercraft having integral thereto the assembly, and a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to assemblies and methods for retrofitting watercraft to permit operation in shallow water.

BACKGROUND

Operating a watercraft in shallow water while fishing can prove difficult. Any conventional attachment of a boat motor can cause problems such as having the watercraft or boat become unbalanced so that tipping occurs with the result that the watercraft takes on water or even swamps.

A need exits for an assembly which is capable of being retrofitted into an existing watercraft hull, which assembly allows a stable environment for attachment of a propulsion device such as a trolling motor. In the alternative, a need exists for a watercraft, having integral thereto, such an assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention meets these and other needs by providing among other things, an assembly for retrofitting the hull of a water craft, which assembly comprises: an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the chamber housing defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening. The panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.

Preferably the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.

An embodiment of this invention provides an assembly wherein the chamber housing is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing, when the assembly is attached to the hull at the hull opening. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.

In another embodiment of the invention side portions of the chamber housing at the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing are configured to be cambered, and the chamber housing is configured to comprise sloping side regions. Additionally, in an embodiment of the invention, the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.

The chamber housing comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. By adjustable transom, it is meant that the transom formed by the L-shaped hinged member is configured to move out of the way to accommodate insertion of larger-sized propulsion devices though the chamber and then move back into a locked position for conventional attachment of the propulsion device.

The hinged member and the chamber housing side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.

In another embodiment of the invention, a watercraft is provided comprising: a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the chamber housing being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening.

Yet another embodiment of the invention provides a watercraft comprising one or more pairs of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.

The watercraft further provides that the chamber housing is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing. The propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.

Another embodiment of the invention provides that side portions of the chamber housing, at the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing, are configured to be cambered and wherein the chamber housing is configured to comprise sloping side regions.

A watercraft is provided wherein the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.

A watercraft is also provided in another embodiment of this invention wherein the chamber housing comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device. The hinged member and the chamber housing are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the water craft, which method comprises: creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft; attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the chamber housing defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and sealing the panel to the hull.

An embodiment of the invention additionally comprises detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the chamber housing at the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing and configuring the assembly such that the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.

In another embodiment of the invention the method includes configuring the assembly such that the chamber housing comprises an L-shaped, hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing. The hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of the propulsion device.

These and other embodiments and features of this invention will be still further apparent from the ensuing description, accompanying drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view in perspective of an assembly of the invention as attached to a retrofitted watercraft hull.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the area of attachment between an assembly of the invention and the watercraft hull.

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of an embodiment of the invention wherein the assembly is either attached to or integral to a watercraft.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view, taken generally along line 6-6 in FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view, taken generally along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view in perspective of the chamber housing and L-shaped hinged member in an open position.

FIG. 10 is another enlarged view in perspective of the chamber housing and L-shaped hinged member.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view in perspective of the chamber housing and L-shaped hinged member in closed position.

In each of the above figures, like numerals are used to refer to like or functionally like parts among the several figures.

FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will now be appreciated that the present invention provides an assembly which is sized and configured to be retrofitted into an opening cut into the underside of the hull of a watercraft. The assembly provides at least one location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device so that the watercraft can be rendered more stable in the water when using a propulsion device in a conventional manner, i.e., when a motor is attached at an end of a watercraft.

While the assembly is configured to be detachably attached to a retrofitted watercraft, in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the features of the assembly are provided integral to the hull of the watercraft.

Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of this invention. There, an assembly 12 is shown to include an elongated panel 16, a longitudinal channel 18 (best seen in FIG. 6) and two chamber housings 20,20. Chamber housing 20 defines at least one chamber 22 extending through panel 16. Chamber housing 20 also defines an upper chamber opening 24 and a lower chamber opening 26 (best seen in FIG. 4.)

FIG. 2 shows an opening 28 in the hull 14 of a watercraft 10 which has been sized and configured to receive assembly 12. When assembly 12 is securely seated in hull opening 28, a water-tight seal is formed by application of an adhesive sealant compound such as RTV silicone, available from Master Bond, Inc., Hackensack, N.J., although any other water-proof adhesive and sealant can be applied. The silicone sealant is used in addition to brads, rivets, bolts or welds to provide structural integrity to the joint between the assembly 12 and hull 14.

As may be seen in FIG. 3, panel 16 is configured to have a flanged end region which interlocks with a cooperative flanged end region of hull 14 where the opening in the hull was provided. A layer 68 of adhesive sealant compound is placed between the proximate surfaces of the two flanged areas. In addition a brad 66 is shown to be installed through all layers of hull, adhesive sealant compound layer and panel to further reinforce attachment of panel 16 to hull 14. A suitable number of brads, rivets, bolts or welds can be provided depending on the construction material of the hull and panel, though a preferred spacing is to provide a brad at approximately every 1.5 to 2 inches along the seam or joint of the hull and panel.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is a fin cavity 70 defined by fin 30. Fin cavity 70 can be filled with ballast such as lead weights, should the watercraft require extra stability. Some or all fins can be configured to define such cavities.

As may be seen in FIG. 4, panel 16 comprises two pairs of fins 30,30 aligned longitudinally and proximate to lower chamber opening 26. Each pair of fins 30,30 is disposed so that fin 30A of the pair is disposed at an opposite side of lower chamber opening 26 from fin 30B. Longitudinal channel 18 is configured to taper at a first end region 40 and at a second end region 42. As the channel tapers, it gradually becomes less deep, so as to give the channel a streamlined configuration which directs water along the length of the channel in a smooth flow with less friction and drag.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the invention which includes brace or thwart 52 and seats 56,56. One or more seats 56 are configured to have an after-market boat seat (not shown) attached at apertures 58,58. Several apertures are provided so that the location of the after-market boat seat can be customized for comfort of the user.

FIG. 6 illustrates, in cross-section, aspects of one embodiment of the invention where propulsion device 32 is shown attached to chamber housing 20 with propeller 34 extending into operative position. As depicted, propulsion device 32 is a trolling motor powered by a 12 volt sealed gel battery 54 which is stored in battery compartment 64 under seat 56.

Among other novel and non-obvious features of assembly 12, which may be seen at least in FIGS. 6 and 7, longitudinal channel 18 and fins 30,30 serve to direct the flow of water against the bottom of propulsion device 32 and propeller 34 so that propulsion device 32 (shown as an electric trolling motor) performs efficiently even in shallow water conditions. In addition, having side portions 36 of chamber housing 20 to be cambered increases ease of installation and attachment of propulsion device 32. A surprising result of this combination of features in assembly 12 is that water does not tend to be thrown into the inside of watercraft 10 through upper chamber opening 24 when the watercraft is underway. Sloping side regions 38,38 of chamber housing 20 are also configured to prevent undesired water from entering the inside of watercraft 10 through chamber 22.

There are a plurality of chamber housings 20,20 (shown in the figures as two chamber housings) which can provide alternative or simultaneous locations for detachable attachment of one or more propulsion devices. While it is contemplated that a “30-pound thrust” motor easily and quickly attaches to the assembly as a propulsion device, both 50-pound and 70-pound thrust motors can be used. In addition, as dictated by water conditions, a combustion engine can be used as a propulsion device.

FIG. 7 provides illustration of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the invention, watercraft 10, having hull 14, sloping side regions 38,38 of chamber housing 20 and cambered side portions 36,36 of chamber housing 20. Fins 30,30 are shown disposed on opposite sides of lower chamber opening 26.

A side view of watercraft 10 can be seen in FIG. 8 with channel 18 set out in phantom line. Propulsion device 32 is conventionally attached to adjustable transom 48.

FIG. 9 provides and enlarged view of chamber housing 20 and L-shaped hinged member 44, attached to chamber housing 20 at hinge 50 and in an open position. The configuration of chamber housing 20 and L-shaped hinged member 44 provides a way to make upper chamber opening 24 larger in order to facilitate installation and attachment of a variety of propulsion devices of differing dimensions. Latch 72, shown here to be a loop strap latch, is provided to hold L-shaped hinged member 44 closed after the propulsion device (not shown) has been lowered into chamber 22. While not shown, a preferred embodiment provides a latch on opposite sides of L-shaped hinged member 44. It is to be understood that any means for securing the L-shaped hinged member in a closed position against the chamber housing can be use, such as, but not limited to, hook and eye, twist T-bolt latch, barrel bolt latch, loop snap latch, and draw loop latch, which may be adapted to use with a padlock. Materials of construction of the latch can be, but are not limited to, aluminum or other metal or metal alloys as well as a strong plastic composite.

FIG. 10 depicts a gasket channel 76 defined by chamber housing 20 which can be filled with gasket material 74 (best seen in FIG. 9). Use of a gasket material makes a seal between the L-shaped hinged member and the channel housing water-tight when latch 72 is closed.

Referring to FIG. 11, optionally, a battery 54 can be configured to be re-charged or continuously charged by electrical attachment of the battery to one or more solar panels 60 located on a seat or on a removable accessory, such as a portable cooler lid 62. Such solar panels provide an energy source for the battery.

FIG. 12 shows L-shaped member 44 in a closed, locked position using latch 72.

Preferred dimensions for certain elements of embodiments of this invention include a lower chamber opening which measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 15 inches in length and in the range of about 6 to about 6.5 inches in width. The chamber housing measures in the range of about 11.5 to about 12 inches in height. While the embodiments of the invention depicted in the several figures include chamber housings which do not extend upward above the upper plane of the gunwales of the watercraft, it is also provided that the chamber housing can extend above the top plane of the gunwales.

While various-sized watercraft are encompassed by the scope of this invention, watercraft in a size range (in length) of from about 12 feet to about 16 feed are particularly capable of either being retrofitted or manufactured to include the features of these inventions.

Such watercraft can be constructed of materials such as, but not limited to, rigid plastic, polyethylene plastic, Royalex ® thermoplastics, fiberglass, wood, metals such as aluminum, and composite plastics.

Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article “a” or “an” if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.

This invention is susceptible to considerable variation within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. An assembly for retrofitting the hull of a watercraft, which assembly comprises: an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel; and at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the chamber housing defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening, wherein the panel is sized and configured to attach to the hull at an opening in the hull, and to form a seal between the panel and the hull at the hull opening.
 2. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.
 3. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the chamber housing is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing, when the assembly is attached to the hull at the hull opening.
 4. An assembly according to claim 3 wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
 5. An assembly according to claim 4 wherein the propulsion device is a battery-powered electric motor and the battery is configured to be re-charged or continuously charged by electrical attachment of the battery to one or more solar panels.
 6. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein side portions of the chamber housing at the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing are configured to be cambered, and wherein the chamber housing is configured to comprise sloping side regions.
 7. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
 8. An assembly according to claim 1 wherein the chamber housing comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
 9. An assembly according to claim 8 wherein the hinged member and the chamber housing side are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
 10. A watercraft comprising: a hull which defines, on its underside, a longitudinal channel; and at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the hull, the chamber housing being attached to or integral with the hull and defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening.
 11. A watercraft according to claim 10 further comprising one or more pairs of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.
 12. A watercraft according to claim 10 wherein the chamber housing is sized and configured to receive a detachably attached propulsion device, such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the chamber and the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing.
 13. A watercraft according to claim 12 wherein the propulsion device is either a combustion engine or an electric motor.
 14. A watercraft according to claim 10 wherein side portions of the chamber housing, at the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing, are configured to be cambered and wherein the chamber housing is configured to comprise sloping side regions.
 15. A watercraft according to claim 10 wherein the channel is configured to taper at a first end region and at a second end region.
 16. A watercraft according to claim 10 wherein the chamber housing comprises an L-shaped hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of a propulsion device.
 17. A watercraft according to claim 16 wherein the hinged member and the chamber housing are configured to form a seal therebetween when the hinged member is brought into a locked position.
 18. A method for retrofitting a watercraft to provide a location for detachable attachment of a propulsion device extending through a hull of the water craft, which method comprises: creating an opening through the hull of the watercraft; attaching to the hull, at the opening, an assembly comprising (I) an elongated panel which defines a longitudinal channel, and (II) at least one chamber housing which defines at least one chamber extending through the panel, the chamber housing defining an upper chamber opening and a lower chamber opening; and sealing the panel to the hull.
 19. A method according to claim 18 further comprising: detachably attaching the propulsion device to a side of the chamber housing at the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing such that a propeller of the propulsion device extends through the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing.
 20. A method according to claim 18 further comprising: configuring the assembly such that the panel comprises at least one pair of fins aligned (i) longitudinally, (ii) proximate to, and (iii) with a fin of the pair of fins disposed at an opposite side of the lower chamber opening of the chamber housing from the other fin of the pair of fins.
 21. A method according to claim 18 further comprising: configuring the assembly such that the chamber housing comprises an L-shaped, hinged member, which hinged member forms a portion of a side of the chamber housing adjacent to the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, such that the hinged member can swing out from the side of the chamber housing to enlarge the upper chamber opening of the chamber housing, and which hinged member forms an adjustable transom configured for detachable attachment thereto of the propulsion device. 